What to Do with Your Pets While on Holiday?

Posted By Ayda Hornak on August 2025

Wondering what to do with your pets while on holiday? Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a month-long overseas adventure, your pet’s care plan matters.

From choosing the right sitter to easing separation anxiety with natural supplements, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep tails wagging while you’re on holiday.

7 Tips for a Stress-Free Break

These 7 tips for leaving your pets while on holiday will help you prepare for leaving them with someone else.

1. What Should I Do Before Leaving My Pet Behind?

A few small steps now will give you a whole lot of peace of mind later.

Here’s your pre-trip checklist:

✔️ Microchip is up to date
✔️ Collar ID tag has your current mobile
✔️ GPS tracker attached (handy if they do a runner)

Even the most chilled-out pets can get spooked or anxious and try to find you. A GPS tracker can be a lifesaver, especially for dogs prone to wander or escape.

2. What Info Should I Give My Pet Sitter?

Think of this like writing a care manual for your pet. No detail is too small, your sitter isn’t a mind reader!

Include:

✔️ Feeding instructions — how much, what time, where they eat
✔️ Toilet routine — do they only go outside? Use puppy pads?
✔️ Supplements or meds — include dosage, timing, and how to give it
✔️ Exercise and play — favourite games, daily walk time
✔️ Behaviour quirks — do they chase bikes? React to other dogs? Fear storms?
✔️ Emergency contacts — vet info, family/friends nearby
✔️ Grooming needs — if applicable while you're away

Provide as much information as you can. Never assume a carer will know what you know about your pet

PetWell Tip: Stress and anxiety, like being separated from you can throw your pet’s gut completely out of whack. It’s all connected: when pets feel anxious, it can lead to digestive upsets like runny poos, gurgly bellies, or loss of appetite. To support both their mood and their tummy, try PetWell CALM and DIGEST together. They’re all-natural, vet-approved, and easy to mix into their meals or a lick mat with yoghurt.

Read about Separation Anxiety in Dogs: How to Help Your Dog

3. Is My Pet's Vaccination Status Up to Date?

If your pet is staying at a boarding facility or sitter’s home, make sure vaccinations are current. Many will require C5 or F3 vaccines, plus proof of flea and worming protection.

4. What Should I Pack for My Pet’s Stay?

Avoid the last-minute panic, pack ahead and pack well.

Pet essentials:

Enough food and treats for your whole trip
Supplements or medications
Food and water bowls
Lead, poop bags, and grooming tools
Bed, blankets and toy box
A T-shirt or hoodie that smells like you (trust us, it helps)

Familiar items mean less stress, especially for pets prone to anxiety.

5. How Can I Comfort My Pet While I’m Away?

You can’t take your pet with you, but you can send a little piece of ‘home’.

✔️ Pop a worn T-shirt in their bed or crate (your scent gives them comfort)
✔️ Keep their favourite toys nearby
✔️ Make sure their regular bed or blanket stays with them

These small touches can help reduce separation anxiety and give them a sense of security.

6. Do Calming Supplements Work?

They can make a huge difference, especially when used in the lead-up to your trip. Natural calming blends like PetWell CALM contain gentle ingredients like chamomile, green tea and goat’s milk to support relaxation and emotional balance (without knocking them out).

✔️ Vet-approved
✔️ Start 2–4 weeks before your holiday
✔️ Easy to add to food

Ideal for anxious dogs, rescue pets, or those with a tight bond to you.

Anxiety Relief for Dogs & Cats Natural Supplement for dogs and cats by PetWell

7. What’s the Best Way to Say Goodbye?

This one’s for you, not them.

Your pet picks up on your energy. If you’re anxious, they’ll feel it. Keep your goodbye short, upbeat, and calm, like you’re heading to the shops, not vanishing forever.

Where Should My Pet Stay While I’m on Holiday?

Let’s break down your options, because the best choice is the one that suits your pet’s personality and needs.

Option 1: Vet Boarding

Best for: Senior pets, those on medication, or with medical conditions.
Pros: Clinical setting with qualified staff
Cons: Less “homey” environment, limited playtime

Board Your Pet with a Veterinarian PetWell

Option 2: Pet Resorts or Kennels

Not just cages and concrete anymore, many Aussie pet resorts are now luxe retreats with play yards, bushwalks, swimming pools, even massage!

Pros: Structured play, lots of stimulation, 24/7 care
Cons: Can be overwhelming for anxious pets or those not socialised

What to look for:

Clean, secure indoor/outdoor spaces
Qualified, attentive carers
Small dog-to-carer ratios
Services like grooming, enrichment games or extra cuddle time
Ability to follow your care instructions (including supplement dosing)
Clear, honest reviews from real customers

Board Your Pet at a Kennel or Pet Resort

Option 3: Pet Sitter at Your Home – Our Top Pick!

Perfect for pets that love routine or get stressed by change.

Pros: No environment change, less stress
Cons: You need to trust someone in your home

Your options:

Friends or family
A professional sitter (try Aussie apps like Mad Paws or Aussie house sitters)
Drop-in visits for short trips (great for cats, NOT dogs)

Option 4: Pet Sitter at Their Home

Some sitters host pets in their own homes. A great option for solo dogs who don’t do well in busy kennels.

Checklist before you book:

Visit the property
Meet the sitter with your pet
Ask about other animals in the house
Check references and insurance
Make sure your care plan can be followed
Let your friends/neighbours know someone will be caring for your pet

Leave Your Pet with a Pet Sitter in Their Home

Final Word: Plan. Trust the Process. Enjoy Your Holiday

Leaving your pet doesn’t have to feel awful. With the right prep, a solid care plan, and a carer you trust, you can leave home knowing your pet is safe, loved and well looked after.

And hey, you deserve that break. Your fur baby will be waiting at the door when you return, tail wagging, purring, and ready for couch snuggles.

FAQs

Leaving Pets While Travelling

Can I leave my dog home alone for a weekend?

Not ideal. Dogs need regular toilet breaks, meals, and company. A sitter or daily visits are best.

What’s better: a kennel or a sitter?

Depends on your pet. Confident, social dogs may love a resort. Anxious pets usually do better at home or with a sitter.

Do cats get separation anxiety too?

Absolutely. Cats love routine, so keep them in their usual environment and add familiar smells to help ease the transition.

Do calming supplements work while travelling?

Yes, especially when started a few weeks in advance. PetWell CALM is a natural, vet-approved option to ease stress gently.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.

Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care

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